







In English we use the present simple tense to talk about facts or things that are always true, as well as things in general. Present simple is also used to talk about a repeated action such as a habit, a hobby, a daily event, a scheduled event or something that often happens.
In English we use 'do' and 'does' as auxiliary verbs in negatives and questions and we often use the present simple with adverbs of frequency such as sometimes, always, often, never, usually, rarely, and hardly ever.
Notes for use of present simple :
In the third person, ‘s’ is added to the verb form. For example;
work --> works
run --> runs
live --> lives
For verbs that end in 'o', 'sh', 'ch', 's' and 'x', we add 'es' to the verb form. For example;
go --> goes
wish --> wishes
watch --> watches
kiss --> kisses
fax --> faxes
For verbs that end in a consonant + 'y', we change the 'y' to 'i' and add 'es'. For example;
try --> tries
study --> studies
The table below shows the different forms of present simple :
Example Verb : Work | I / You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | ... work. | ... works. |
| Negative | ... don't work. | ... doesn't work. |
Questions | Do ... work? | Does ... work? |
| Short answers | Yes, ... do. / No, ... don't. | Yes, ... does. / No, ... doesn't. |
For the verb 'to be' we use 'am', 'is', 'are' in the present simple. No auxiliary verbs are used in negative sentences and questions.
Verb: Be | I | You / We / They | He / She / It |
| Positive | I'm ... | ... 're ... | ... 's ... |
| Negative | I'm not ... | ... aren't ... | ... isn't ... |
| Questions | Am I ... ? | Are ... ...? | Is ... ...? |
| Short answers | Yes, I am. / No, I'm not. | Yes, ... are. / No, ... aren't. | Yes, ... is. / No, ... isn't. |
Present Simple Example Sentences :
Positive Examples of Present Simple :
Negative Examples of Present Simple :
Question Examples of Present Simple :
| Present simple example sentences | |
|---|---|
| Pogo is my little cat, is there a problem with that? | |
| I mean, you look too young to be a teacher. | |
| It's all about my lovely little cat, Pogo. | |
| That's why you can't find the answer! | |
| Look, there is a shop assistant. | |
| What's the reason for the cancellation this time? | |
| I'm a bit paranoid about it. | |
| I don't mind sitting outside as long as I'm not cold. | |
| So 2017 minus 1841 equals... | |
| Come on, don't cry, she is just a stupid girl! | |
| Here you can take it, be careful, it's very hot. | |
| Is that a crack in the bath? | |
| But... I'm not good at lying... | |
| I am alone till my friend comes. | |
| Are you with your friends? | |
| Cate, are you okay? You seem a little bit aggressive. | |
| Yes, they are all around 2 pounds. | |
| Hey, what happened? Is everything okay? | |
| Are they older or younger? | |
| Erm... Yeah... Sure! It's our first anniversary! | |